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Weddings

About

Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Graduate Minneapolis is an elegant setting with the perfect touch to capture the true Minnesota. This beautiful venue has been part of the wedding industry over 25 years. Book your wedding or social event with us and experience a memorable day in our warm and cozy hotel! Want to include yor furry friend? No problem! As a pet- friendly hotel, we love dogs and believe they shoud be included in your big day!

Facilities and Capacity

The venue’s lush lake house landscape is complemented by dottings of forest green, woodland toile, and details of plum paisley and Corvette red to bring guests home. The lobby is lounge-central for air hockey tournaments or eating from roving food carts serving local flavor. Whether guests are mingling amid the cozy communal tables or by the dramatic fireplace, the venue and its woodsy backdrop offer a unique atmosphere perfect for a joyous occasion. From the Graduate’s grand Meridian Ballroom to the intimate & elegant Pinnacle Ballroom, this hotel has the perfect space for couples to host their speical day. The Meridian Ballroom, the most spacious event location, is ideal for bigger celebrations, accommodating up to 600 guests. The grand and elegant room is located in the east wing of the mezzanine level, offering a large pre-function area to greet guests, along with access to a private outdoor terrace. Ideal for smaller gatherings, the Pinnacle Ballroom, located in the west wing of the mezzanine level and also offering pre-function space, can host up to 320 guests and can continue the fun outside on the outdoor terrace. The hotel also boasts a Topgolf Swing Suite, ideal for pre-function gatherings, as well as Get Ready Rooms, featuring an elegant lounge area complete with a luxe sitting space and grand mirrors to get ready in.

Services Offered

Whether you are celebrating your special day as an intimate ceremony or an over-the-top bash, Graduate Minneapolis is guaranteed to make the occasion unforgettable. From setup and cleanup to event planning, Graduate offers numerous services so couples can enjoy their special day. As a soon-to-be wed, you also receive in-house catering along with furniture, linen, china, and glassware. Other accommodations provided include:

  • One-bedroom suite for the night of the wedding
  • Liability insurance
  • Wireless Internet
  • Outside vendors
  • Pet-friendly attitude
  • Chairs, tables, and dancefloor
  • Barware, flatware, and glassware
  • Parking & wheelchair access

Cuisine

Graduate Minneapolis’s creative culinary team will work with couples to concept custom menus and recipes that perfectly reflect each soon-to-be-wed couple. They offer full-service banquets and their signature food carts, providing a delicious touch. From Middle Eastern to Caribbean cuisine, the team offers a wide range of regional food in different presentations, including buffets, stations, family-style, hors d'oeuvres, and plated meals. The venue can also accommodate dietary needs to ensure that everyone gets to eat the exceptional food. Other catering abilities include:

  • Cocktail receptions
  • French service
  • Dessert
  • Outside cake
  • Servers
  • Tastings
  • Organic or pork-free cuisine

Location

Nestled in the heart of the University of Minnesota campus between Coffman Memorial Union and a stone's throw from the Gopher’s stadium, Graduate Minneapolis is just a short walk from local businesses, the Mississippi River, and beautiful parks. The gorgeous venue is only two miles from the magic of downtown Minneapolis and 12 miles from the Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport, making all occasions easily accessible and close to plenty of entertainment and activity options.

Photos

Courtesy of: Vick Photography, Bellagala, Studion 220 Photography, Carina Photographics, Lauren B. Photography

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$500

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$500

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$500

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$250

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
China
Clean Up
Event Planning
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
Set Up
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Cake Cutting
Server(s)

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$12

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Open Bar
Specialty Beer

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

10

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

10

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Hotel

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Get Ready Rooms
Liability Insurance
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly
Wifi

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Chairs
Dance Floor
Decor
Furniture
Lighting
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July
August
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
November
December
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Any other questions?

Reviews of Graduate Minneapolis

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
5.0 out of 5 rating
5.0 out of 5 rating
43 reviews
99% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

Powered by AI

The Graduate in Minneapolis is highly praised as an exceptional wedding venue. Multiple reviewers complimented the accommodating staff who were quick to respond to inquiries and provide assistance throughout the planning process. Guests raved about the food, ambiance, and unique setting of the hotel. The convenient location with a connected parking ramp and skywalk was also appreciated by attendees. Overall, the Graduate received high marks for its attentive service and stress-free planning experience.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

The Graduate in Minneapolis is highly praised as an exceptional wedding venue. Multiple reviewers complimented the accommodating staff who were quick to respond to inquiries and provide assistance throughout the planning process. Guests raved about the food, ambiance, and unique setting of the hotel. The convenient location with a connected parking ramp and skywalk was also appreciated by attendees. Overall, the Graduate received high marks for its attentive service and stress-free planning experience.

E
Emily V. Sent on 11/30/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Cozy hotel with big personality, great food, and the best venu coordinator

Michael was fabulous to work with and always communicated promptly. His calm, get-it-done attitude was such an amazing tool to have on our side.

We had our groom's dinner, ceremony, reception, and guest block at The Graduate. It was an amazing experience and such a beautiful hotel. All of the staff was helpful, courteous, and made us feel welcome.

The vibe at The Graduate is super unique, the best of kitsch and class. It made for the best backdrops for our wedding photos and their food options are unique and fun.
Mary
Mary O. Sent on 12/10/2023
5 out of 5 rating

10++++ STARS!

Hands down, the BEST place to host a wedding in Minneapolis! The staff was amazing and soooooo accommodating - quick to return calls and emails and to answer any/all questions related to my son's wedding. 10+++++ stars!!
We hosted the groom's dinner, wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner and dancing all in one space and it was the best wedding set-up ever! Guests are still raving about the food and ambience! We had an amazing room block rate. Michael worked with the bride on pricing food, open bar, late night buffet, Topgolf, etc... which made the entire process stress-free. The parking ramp is connected directly to hotel via skyway, which was a huge boon for guests when they arrived for the wedding.
We were able to bring in our own furniture, accessories, cake and rentals. We were also able to set things up as we wished with the help of Michael and his amazing team of energetic, hardworking and overly kind staff!!
We had the pleasure of enjoying the outdoor patio space, which was absolutely perfect for the cigar bar.
I highly recommend the Graduate to all brides & grooms!!!
My family is still raving about the wedding and it's been almost a month since the big event.
THANK YOU GRADUATE TEAM FOR GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR MY SON AND HIS NEW WIFE!!!
A
Alyson S. Sent on 10/23/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Highly recommend!

Fantastic venue! They did the majority of the work which made wedding planning extremely easy & stress-free. Communication with their event planning team was exceptional! The food was great - we got so many compliments from our guests! We had quite a few guests traveling from other states, and this location was very convenient for our guests.

Professional Network & Endorsements

4 Endorsements
Bellagala Photography Bellagala Photography Wedding Photographers

Commons Hotel are fantastic at what they do! They really appreciate and always work to reach everyone's needs. The team there were so helpful and really worked hard to make everything perfect!

Après Event Decor & Tent Rental Après Event Decor & Tent Rental Wedding Rentals

We are always happy to work with Brenda Picasso at The Commons Hotel!

Midwest Sound DJ Entertainment Midwest Sound DJ Entertainment Wedding DJs

The Commons Hotel is a fantastic place to have your reception. Beautiful Venue and Friendly Staff.

Map

Graduate Minneapolis frequently asked questions

Graduate Minneapolis includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • China
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planning
  • Flatware
  • Glassware
  • Linens
  • Set Up
  • Tables
Graduate Minneapolis includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Cake Cutting
  • Server(s)
The bar service starting price at Graduate Minneapolis includes:
  • Bartender(s)
  • House Beer
  • House Liquor
  • House Wine
  • Open Bar
  • Specialty Beer
The space offered by Graduate Minneapolis for wedding events is known for:
  • Ballroom
  • Hotel
Graduate Minneapolis offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Graduate Minneapolis offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Graduate Minneapolis offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planner
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Liability Insurance
  • Outside Vendors
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wifi
Graduate Minneapolis offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Chairs
  • Dance Floor
  • Decor
  • Furniture
  • Lighting
  • Tables
Graduate Minneapolis is recommended by 100% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 5.0, with the same score awarded for quality of service, flexibility, value, professionalism and average response time.

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